Hey there. Happy Tuesday.
Today is the deadline for completing the census, if you haven't done so already. Much like Ancient Rome, Canada's census happens every five years. Unlike Ancient Rome, you can do it on a tablet. Technology: at least it's good for something.
— V.
Senior editor
— FEATURE —
Can DIY venues survive in Vancouver?
“We took a lot of pride in being the first stop for Vancouver bands a lot of the time," reflects Luis Gonzales, one of the people behind indie music incubator Take Your Time Back. But after City inspectors started coming by the venue, the team couldn't justify the potential fines coming their way, nor raise the funds necessary for venue upgrades—and stopped hosting concerts. With the DIY scene under scrutiny, is there still space for Vancouver's grassroots rooms?
SPONSORED BY THE PARK THEATRE
The Park on Cambie has reopened!
Upgraded with a brand new state-of-the-art sound system and digital 4K projector, The Park Theatre in Vancouver's Cambie Village is now open under new partnership with The Rio Theatre. Their schedule of great films changes weekly. Check out their current attractions online and stop by for a movie soon!
— LIVING —
Your Very Vancouver May 2026 horoscopes
Taurus season has a little bit of juice left in it yet, which means there's still time to find out what Very Vancouver things might happen to you this month. Taunting squirrels? Truffle fries at JOEY? Or maybe yoga at Dude Chilling Park with a parkour enthusiast?
OneCity Vancouver announces council, school board, and park board candidates
It’s swimming season: outdoor pools and beach lifeguards return this week
SPONSORED BY ART VANCOUVER 2026
Vancouver’s Premiere Contemporary Art Fair Returns for Its 10th Edition
Art Vancouver returns May 28–31 at the Vancouver Convention Centre East for its 10th edition. The contemporary art fair features Canadian and international art, showcasing painting, sculpture, and mixed media works, alongside programming including live art demonstrations, talks, workshops and an art competition.
— ARTS —
Vancouver SketchFest is growing for laughs
The third annual Vancouver SketchFest is set to take over the Rio Theatre this week, much to founder Jessey Nelson's delight. "It elevates the whole scene,” the member of sketch troupe Smashed Potato Kids enthuses. “And the Vancouver scene is doing really well—there are so many talented people here."
How former Arts Umbrella dancers shaped Memento Mori
What's In Your Fridge: Vancouver photographer Kathryn Mussallem
Dancing on the Edge returns with dozens of performances
The Improv Centre is running laugh-out-loud shows all long weekend, including a special Sunday showing of their world-famous Theatresports.*
*sponsored listing
— MUSIC —
Van Jams: New Vancouver music you might have missed
Every month, Vancouver musicians bless our ears with new songs to make us tap our toes and bob our heads. We've rounded up new releases from April, with a mix of indie rock bangers, plaintive piano ballads, spunky country gems, and dazzling dance beats.
Photos: Lewis Capaldi is someone you loved to see at Rogers Arena
Vancouver Jazz Fest promises free and low-cost shows all over town
— ICYMI —
30 can't-miss Vancouver concerts happening this month
And 30 local events to catch this May
Rodney DeCroo: Street photography sees no ordinary people
On being the "first" Asian Canadian to do something
— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —
LIVING: MOSAIC hosts its 14th annual job fair. (May 12 @ Anvil Centre, New Westminster)
WORKSHOP: Artist Marlene Lowden leads an abstract collage-making class, focused on shapes and scale. (May 12 @ Ferry Building Gallery, West Vancouver)
THEATRE: Cee Peal shows an early version of his play in production, Pelmet and Sables. (May 12 @ VPL Central Branch)
VISUAL ARTS: Xixi Yang's Echoes in Open Colour explores intention and spontaneity. (May 12 to July 6 @ Amelia Douglas Art Gallery, New Westminster)
THEATRE: Seven! brings Snow White's friendly neighbourhood dwarves into the spotlight. (May 13-16 @ Performance Works)
VISUAL ARTS: The Show displays more than 400 new works from graduating Emily Carr students. (May 13-27 @ Emily Carr University)
That’s it!
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